World Cup 2026: Brazilian star Neymar makes his big return to the Seleção

Neymar Named in Brazil's World Cup Squad After Injury-Disrupted Spell

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has named Neymar in his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, ending months of speculation over the forward's fitness and form. The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, will be making his fourth appearance at the tournament, which begins on June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Neymar has not featured for Brazil since suffering a serious knee injury – an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear – during a World Cup qualifying game against Uruguay in October 2023. His return to the national team follows a spell disrupted by injuries at Saudi club Al-Hilal and an underwhelming return to his boyhood club Santos last year.

Ancelotti's Decision

Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil last year, had not previously called up the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward. At a gala ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, the Italian coach revealed his squad, with Neymar's name drawing the loudest cheers.

"We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition," Ancelotti said, according to multiple reports. "He has the same role and responsibilities as everyone else, but he is an experienced player. It's true that in some positions we prioritised experience."

One report, citing Ancelotti's comments at the announcement, noted that Neymar's inclusion was based on fitness and form, not sentiment. The coach had earlier told Reuters that his decision would hinge on the forward's physical condition.

Fitness Concerns

Neymar's selection was considered doubtful by many local analysts and former players, according to Al Jazeera. He had not been part of the national team since the 2023 knee injury, and questions persisted over his fitness and form.

A report from Al Jazeera, published after the squad announcement, stated that Neymar suffered a minor calf injury – described as an oedema by Santos' head of medical services, Rodrigo Zogaib – but was expected to recover in time to join Brazil's camp next week. Zogaib told Brazil's ge.globo that "according to our planning, his progress will allow him to be fit next week when he will join up with the national team."

The injury forced Neymar to miss Santos' 2-2 draw with San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana on Wednesday, according to the same report. Another Al Jazeera article noted that Neymar had been restricted to just 15 appearances in 31 matches since his return to Santos.

Career and Record

Neymar, who has 79 goals in 128 international appearances, holds Brazil's record for both scoring and assisting goals, according to RFI. The same report noted that he had laid on 59 goals for teammates.

The 2026 tournament will be Neymar's fourth World Cup, following appearances in 2014, 2018, and 2022, as reported by multiple outlets. RFI, in a reflective piece on his career, noted that Neymar broke down in tears after Ancelotti read out his name during the squad announcement in Rio de Janeiro. The Santos striker was watching the ceremony on TV at home with family and friends, and his partner, Bruna Biancardi, hugged him as he sobbed.

Squad and Schedule

Ancelotti's 26-man squad includes many of Brazil's key players in recent years, including Vinicius Junior and Raphinha. Notable omissions include Chelsea forward João Pedro, as reported by multiple outlets.

The squad list, as published by Al Jazeera, includes goalkeepers Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), and Weverton (Gremio); defenders Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), and Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg); midfielders Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), and Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo); and forwards Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), and Rayan (Bournemouth).

Brazil, the most successful team in World Cup history with five titles, will open their campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey, according to multiple reports. The team will then face Haiti on June 20 in Philadelphia and Scotland on June 25 in Miami, as reported by RFI.

Ancelotti, who extended his contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation last week to the 2030 World Cup, acknowledged the difficulty of selecting the squad. "It was very difficult to choose 26 players," he said, according to RFI. "Why? Because the competition in Brazil is very, very high. I know some players who have played for the national team this year will be unhappy."

Perspectives

Ancelotti's view: The coach defended Neymar's inclusion, citing his improved fitness and the value of experience in certain positions. He insisted Neymar has the same responsibilities as every other player.

Santos medical staff: Santos' head of medical services provided details of Neymar's minor calf injury, indicating it would not prevent him from joining the national team as planned.

Neymar's response: The forward expressed satisfaction that he had done all he could to prove his fitness, telling reporters after Santos' 3-0 defeat to Coritiba, "Physically, I feel great. I've been improving with every game," as reported by ABC Australia.